oxidante

An oxidante (oxidant) is a substance that accepts electrons from another substance in a redox reaction. By accepting electrons, the oxidant is reduced while the other substance is oxidized. Oxidants are commonly referred to as oxidizing agents. The strength of an oxidant is related to its redox potential; strong oxidants readily accept electrons from a wide range of substrates, whereas weaker ones require specific conditions or catalysts.

Common oxidants include molecular oxygen (O2), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), hypochlorite (OCl−/HOCl) formed from chlorine, ozone (O3), permanganate (MnO4−), dichromate (Cr2O7^2−), and periodate (IO4−). In chemistry, these species can oxidize metals, sulfides, alcohols, and various organic substrates, often yielding water, carbon dioxide, or mineral acids as end products.

In biology, reactive oxygen species (ROS) are endogenous oxidants that participate in signaling and immune defense, but excessive ROS can cause oxidative damage to cells and tissues.

Industrially, oxidants are used for bleaching, disinfection, sterilization, wastewater treatment, and as initiators or co-oxidants in polymerization processes. Their behavior depends on conditions such as pH, solvent, and concentration.

Safety and handling depend on the oxidant; many are strong oxidizers and can react violently with reducing agents or fuels. Proper storage, compatibility data, and appropriate handling are essential.

In redox chemistry, the oxidant is the electron acceptor and the reductant is the electron donor.